According to figures recently published by HLN, 1 in 6 properties remains on the market for more than six months. For around 1 in 20 properties, this period even exceeds one year.
But why do some properties sell quickly, while others remain online for months?
1. Getting the asking price right makes all the difference
The first — and perhaps one of the most important — factors is price.
Today, potential buyers compare properties more than ever. They look at similar properties in the area, their asking prices, how long they have been on the market and whether their prices have already been reduced.
A property that is correctly priced from the start therefore has a much stronger position on the market.
An asking price that is too high can have the opposite effect. When a property remains online for several months, potential buyers may start wondering why it has not yet sold.
A successful sale therefore starts before the property even goes online: with a realistic valuation and a clear pricing strategy.
This is exactly what we focus on at Maxime Real Estate.
The majority of our properties are sold within the first month. Some properties naturally require more time and sell after a few months, but the majority of our properties do not remain on the market for more than six months.
Because from the very beginning, we focus on the right value and the right market positioning.
What price? How should the property be presented? Who is the right target audience? How can we showcase its strengths? And how do we make sure it reaches the right potential buyers?
Putting a property on the market correctly is therefore about much more than simply determining a price and publishing a listing.
2. Location, size and energy performance also matter
Not every property appeals to the same type of buyer.
A very large house, a detached property in a less sought-after location or a property with a less favourable EPC rating may appeal to a smaller pool of potential buyers.
That does not mean the property cannot be sold. It simply means that its positioning needs to be carefully considered.
The combination of location, size, EPC rating, condition and asking price largely determines how attractive a property is compared with similar properties on the market.
3. Not every renovation is necessarily worthwhile before selling
Should you install a new kitchen or renovate the bathroom before putting your property up for sale?
Kitchens and bathrooms are highly personal. What one buyer loves, another may not like at all.
On the other hand, smaller improvements can make a real difference: fixing minor defects, taking care of maintenance, decluttering rooms and making sure the property feels clean, bright and well maintained.
Energy improvements are a different matter. Investments that improve a property's energy performance can increase not only comfort, but also its attractiveness and perceived value.
4. Help potential buyers see the property's potential
An interior that looks dated today does not necessarily mean that the property lacks potential.
The challenge is that not everyone can easily imagine what a space could look like beyond its current interior.
This is where virtual renovation images or AI-generated visualisations can be useful. They can show what a space could look like after a transformation and help potential buyers better understand its possibilities.
Of course, it is important to make it clear that these are visualisations and not representations of the property's current condition.
5. Presentation is not a detail
The first impression starts before a potential buyer even walks through the front door.
Professional photography, a well-presented property, plenty of natural light and a tidy interior make it easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.
Small details matter too: fixing a leaking tap, repairing a door that does not close properly, reducing personal belongings and avoiding unnecessarily cluttered spaces.
The goal is not to turn every home into a showroom.
The goal is to give potential buyers enough space to imagine their own story in the property.
How can you avoid your property staying on the market for too long?
A successful sale therefore does not begin when the listing goes live.
It starts well before that:
✔️ A well-considered asking price
✔️ Professional photography
✔️ Attention to EPC and energy performance
✔️ Taking care of minor defects
✔️ Highlighting the property's potential
✔️ Reaching the right target audience
Because selling a property is not only about what it is worth, but also about how it is presented and positioned on the market.
Curious to know what your property is worth today?
At Maxime Real Estate, we look not only at the property itself, but also at its location, comparable properties and current market conditions.
Would you like to know how your property is positioned on today's market? Request your valuation with no obligation.